Why December really is the best month to recruit

So your thinking about recruiting but your just not sure if now is the right time of the year. Surely people have got better things on their minds? Well think again.

If you have a current vacancy in your team, why leave it until the New Year to start? Perhaps you think December is the wrong month to recruit because traditionally business quietens down. The focus in the office is on the Christmas party and who’s buying your secret Santa present and generally it’s a slower time than the rest of the year.

But if you’re a recruiting manager, December should be seen as a golden opportunity. It’s a prime time for many as those who are employed have more free time to consider a new job due to reduced workloads. It’s also a time when many are re-thinking their current job, prospects and planning for the future.

So why not grab this chance to get ahead of the competition. We share with you why we think December really is the best month to recruit:

Less competition

Some budgets run out in December and poor planning may mean that recruitment grinds to a holt until the New Year. Also it can be a time where employees take more time off for Christmas shopping, days out and so working on less staff means that some don’t have time to recruit. You can make the most of the less competition by making December the month you choose to find your next team member.

Get your induction spot on

New employees who experience a structured induction program are 70% more likely to stay with a company for up to 3 years. So why not use the quieter time in December to invest in your new employee. Make them your December project so that they can be correctly tooled up to do the job effectively.

Get them trained and ready to hit the ground running in January

After spending December training, inducting and investing in your new employee they’ll be raring and ready to go when they return in January. When other are then just beginning to start their process in an extremely competitive market, this is your chance to get ahead.

Job seekers are just more accessible and flexible

December is the easiest month to find an acceptable excuse to leave the office, because so many employees are leaving the office for a few hours, using reasons like shopping, running errands and Christmas parties. Bosses are more accepting of excuses at this quieter time of the year and it’s relatively easy for those seeking new opportunities to get in the office a bit later, leave a bit earlier or take an extended lunch, so they can attend an interview. They’re often much easier to contact by phone and email too, whilst business quietens down and spirits are high.

Get them involved!

.Part of your induction process should be to get to know your new starter outside of work and what better chance than at your Christmas party. It’s a time when everyone is on a high and will be welcoming of your new team member. It helps form bonds by learning about what their life is like outside work – what they eat, drink and do in their spare time. There also can be office games in December and a lighter vibe in the office – secret Santa, advent calendars. It’s a great feeling for a new employee to have a full month of training, investment and getting to know their new work colleagues prior to the Christmas break.